Part 9
They had almost reached the top of the hill before-them, when the boy noticed, not very far from him a pair of fiery spots and at the same time he heard a low howl of a wolf. William stood still, but Caesar, who also saw the wolf, put himself in front of his master ready to fight, and growled savagely. In a few minutes the wolf gave a powerful leap upon the dog, but Caesar, who was accustomed to fighting with wolves, took his enemy by the throat and both fought desperately. William could do nothing, and would not leave his faithful dog, but he could pray to his heavenly Father, who had already led him in such a remarkable way, and he did, while the two animals were fighting. Both seemed to be of equal strength, till at last Caesar broke, out in a victorious howling and the wolf disappeared in the underbrush.
Caesar went to William and seemed to say, “Come out of here quickly,” so they both ran on as fast as they could for a while, and when they reached the top of the second hill, William again saw the light coming from a cabin like his father’s and ran on till he reached the fence. Not taking time to look for a gate, he climbed over the fence, and Caesar bounced over.
He was so rejoiced to be once more so near a house, that he knocked loudly and called out, “Open, please open!”
Finally William heard shuffling feet nearing the door, and a voice from within: “Who is there?”
“A poor little boy,” responded William, “who was lost in the forest, and the wolves would have torn to pieces had it not been for the dog.”
“Come in” was the welcome sound from within, and at the same time he heard the bolt being moved back and in another moment the door opened with a creaking sound and the bent figure of a woman appeared.
“Come in, you and your dog are both welcome.”
As William entered the narrow hallway and Caesar following him, he was met by an old lady with a light blue woolen shawl around her shoulders, and a white cap on her head.
“Step into the room, my boy,” she said in a kind tone; “how you must have been frightened in the forest, but now your troubles are over.”
William did not have to be told twice, but quickly stepped inside, while the old lady again bolted the creaking door. It was a tidy and cozy room; just like the old lady herself, thought William. In an open hearth, such as you may yet find here and there among the old farm houses, burned a bright light. On the table stood a low oil lamp and near it lay a large open book. It was the Bible, as William found out afterward. He had not, until now, ever seen a Bible. Near the warm chimney sat a gray cat and blinked with astonishment at the new-corners. At the other side of the room stood a large bed, cored with pure white linen; close to this was a roomy closet with glass doors, bind which stood a number of plates and cups, and shining dishes.
William’s eyes wandered from one object to the other. How much better it was here than in the forest! The sudden change from fear and sorrow to rest and safety, overwhelmed the little boy, that he fell sobbing on his knees, and thanked God for His wonderful help. Then he turned to his faithful dog and said:
“My good and loving Caesar! Where would I be now if you had not followed me. Twice you have saved my life. Had you not come„ I would have drowned, or the wolf would have torn me to pieces.”
ML 03/05/1939